The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-08-13
DEMOCRATIC TRADITIONS.

DEMOCkATIC TRADITIONS.
some Historical Facts Suggested By
the "Whfshy Iasurrecsion."
Louisville courier-Journal.
The platform adopted by the vir.
piria Democrats meets with the I'M
qualified approval Of the Republican
press.
IL is the first expression worthy OF
consideration which demands cheap
whisky In the name Of tax ridden
and grievously op 1ressed people.
Il is the first public declaration In
behalf OF q new whisky instruction.
By the law of 1892 an xciss duty
was i'm posed on all dis illed epirits, the
rate varying fpom IL to IS cents a
gallon. The tax encountered opposi-
ton In NsIth Carolina, Virginia,
Maryland and especially In Psnnsyl.
vania
At Pittsburgh a meeting presided
over by Albert Gallstin opposed the
whisky tax because IL opersted In pro-
portion to numbere, rather than
wealth, and was nsequently eur Just
In its,lf and oppressive TO the poor"
In 1872 the tax on imports wa 1l.54
per cent. against 40 to'ay, aud the
coet Of collection WAS .034 per cent.
Opposition 10 the collection OF the
tax In Pennsylvania assumed the pro-
portions OF an insurrection. Pfesi-
dent Wssbington's proclamation
restored order in other section Of
the Union, but In Pennsylvania Il
was necessary 10 order out the mil.
itis.
Pennsylvaoia submits quietly TO any
form Of taxation which falls heavily
on other sections Of the country, but
when II ibtsrieres with any Of its
industries, she becomes obstreperous
and wsrlike.
The internal tsxes were abolished
10 1902, uader Jefferson, internal taxes
meaning taxes on horses and houses,
as well a. on whisky, and these direct
taxes increased the discomfort due to
the whisky tax.
Moreover, the amount OF the 70.
ceipts and the cost Of collection called
for their abolition. In 1895 tbs total
estimated revenue from these sources
was . 2S 48l; the actual receipts we're
1887 7b), aud the cost Of collection
was 25 per cent.
Ia 1900 tho receipts we're $500, 300,
and the coat Of collection was IL per
cent.
These facts present with clearness
the reasons Tor sbolishiog the internal
taxes at that time. But there Ia not
one airing on the present situation
which does not Ggue sgaipst the re-
peal ofthe whisky tax.
Toe whisky tax Ia not n tax on one
OF the necessities Of life. I. 10 q tax
on Que Of I've VICES.
The yield 10 nearly 100000. 900 and
makes possible 10 that extern, a reduc.
ton on clothes, shelter and tools.
The nes whisky intuuection IL not
In the interes, OF the people against
government oppression. II 10 Ia the
interest Of the classes sgaiDst the
msees.
The purpose IL not the relief Of the
people, but their continued oppres-
sion.
II 10 an lnsurrec,ion sealnqt rels1n;
an instruction against morals; an In.
surectioo ssainst the peace end the
we faie OF the common people, and
against oil the principles Of the Demo.
cratic party.
The fret Democratic platform vas
adopted at Philadelphia, In 1870, the
year Of the election OF Jefferson. II
declared for Stree commerce with all
nations; political connection with
none"
In 1885 was held the fiat national
nominating convention, abd Il declared
.a.alu,, any end all monopolies by
legitlstion."
10 1870 tho convention declared
that TO more revenue should be ralsed
than was required 10 mest the
neceesities Of an economical govern
ment.
This was resfiirmed In 1874.
In lsis the government declared
that the fruits II the triumph In 1874
shave 10 filed ths hopes Of tho
Democracy II the Union IN the noble
Impulse given 10 the csuse Of Tree
trad. By the repeal Of the tariff Of
In 1852 tbers we're declarations
against nonop ,ly, Ia favor Of econ
omy and Of q revenue limited 10 the
usss ef the government
In 1855 the patty declared for Gree
seas and progressive free trade
throughout the ~Ofld."
This ist the platform Of the party be.
fore the wsr.
In 1875 Il declared Tor Atarin for
revenue only.
In 1880 Il was for a tariff with reye-
nue. 10 't' only Obi Ct.
10 1884 Il promised the reform OF
the existing tariff and the application
OF the internAl tares 10 the paymen,
OF interest aud pensions
This IL the whole story, and against
this record have thu Virginia Demo.
Gratis placed themselves.
II i well declared 10 be the new
whisky instruction. II proposes 10
relieve tho dia,iller and the whisky
dhnksr a, the expense Of those who
consums wooden clothes, blankets and
shoss and wh) use tools or work with
machinery.
II IL an resurrection which FIRE,
forever on tho farmer n burden Of
which they would relieve the man
who makes whisky ht tho mountain
t.lll or a, his great city establishment.
The 6pt whisky instruction was
supprss oil by President Washlnpton.
who called out tho millda 10 uphold
the law.
The second whisky iu'uuec,ion will
be overihrovn b. President Olevelab d,
who will call on the Democratic party
10 uphold justice end protect the com.
mon people against the en- 'ctlons OF
the Pennsylvania monopolists.
Na...-. n n..L III. "A